FALL RIVER PUBLIC SCHOOLS MIDDLE SCHOOL ATHLETICS PROGRAM

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1 FALL RIVER PUBLIC SCHOOLS MIDDLE SCHOOL ATHLETICS PROGRAM MISSION STATEMENT The mission of the Fall River Middle School Athletic Program is to create an environment that maximizes student participation, supports academic progress, and promotes physical and social development. It is expected that all student-athletes display competitive spirit, exhibit good sportsmanship, and exemplary character throughout the year. STATEMENT OF PHILOSOPHY We believe that participation in athletics can provide students with the opportunity for personal growth. Teamwork, the mental and physical challenges of training and competition, and the experience of winning and losing graciously and respectfully are important life lessons that will serve students well in their future. Developing good character habits requires time and effort. Coaches and parents can help students develop such habits by discussing, modeling, and reinforcing the desired attitudes and beliefs over time. We also understand that participation on an athletic team demands a commitment that involves both dedication and sacrifice. This is required of not only student athletes, but also of coaches and parents. ATHLETIC PROGRAM GOALS Fall River Middle School Athletic Program is aware that students participate in athletics for the following reasons: 1. Enjoyment 2. Participation 3. Personal improvement Therefore, the Fall River Middle School Athletics Program commits to the following: Offer students an enjoyable experience; Provide the greatest possible opportunity for athletes to participate in both practice and competitions; Promote personal improvement in skills, physical condition and knowledge of the sport; and Promote programs of excellence that accomplish the above and lead to success on and off the playing field. 1

2 ATHLETIC ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS Any middle school student who is interested in participating in athletics in the school year should familiarize themselves with the following eligibility requirements and athletic policies. Listed below are the sports seasons and the athletic programs offered during that season. Fall Season: Flag Football, Field Hockey, Cross Country Winter Season: Boys/Girls Basketball Spring Season: Boys/Girls Soccer All games will be played on Saturdays at Durfee High School Sport Season Dates: Fall Sports Season - The first tryout/practice day is. The first regular season playing date is the week of. Winter Sports Season - The first tryout/practice day is. The first regular season playing date is. Spring Sports Season - The first tryout/practice day is. The first regular season playing date is the week of. Eligibility: In order to be eligible for any athletic activity, the athlete: 1. Must meet all eligibility requirements prior to the first tryout/practice date. 2. Must have a completed and signed Middle School Athletic Participation Form prior to the first tryout/practice date. 3. Must receive a medical examination once every 365 days by a licensed medical physician, physician s assistant or a family practitioner. 4. Must meet promotion requirements to be eligible for fall semester. Students retained by the school will be ineligible for the fall semester. 6. Must earn passing grades (D or better) Passing grades must be attained in language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies. In addition to the core course requirements, at least fifty percent of all remaining courses must be passed. 2

3 7. Must purchase regular school accident insurance or provide proof of insurance coverage by filling out the insurance information waiver on the Middle School Athletic Participation Form. 8. Must not participate (practice or play) if ineligible. 9. Must not participate (practice or play) in any athletic event if suspended or is actively serving in the in-school suspension program for that day or days. 10. Must be present in school the entire day in order to participate in practices or games. 11. A student upon first entering grade seven (6) is academically eligible for competition on middle school teams. All requirements must be met the first semester (fall) in order for this student to be eligible for athletic participation the second semester (spring). 12. A player must practice a total of two (2) days before playing in a game in all sports. 13. A player injured requiring medical attention and/or absent due to illness must meet eligibility requirements. This player may not participate in practice or a contest without a doctor s note. Students absent from athletic practice 5 or more days due to illness or injury shall receive a medical release by a licensed physician before re-admittance to practice or play. 14. If school is not in session or school closes early, no practice or game will take place. There will be no practice on Saturdays (this includes year round schools), holidays, or vacation days. 3

4 STUDENT ATHLETE CODE OF CONDUCT All students will adhere to the Fall River Middle School Athletic Program Student Athlete Code of Conduct. All students will sign the athletic participation form acknowledging acceptance of the Student-Athlete Pledge. Also, many middle and high school athletic programs have a code of conduct in order to participate in athletics. Student-Athlete Pledge As a student-athlete, I am a role model. I understand the spirit of fair play while playing hard. I will refrain from engaging in all types of disrespectful behavior, including inappropriate language, taunting, trash talking, and unnecessary physical contact. I know the behavior expectations of the Middle School Athletic Program, and hereby accept the responsibility and privilege of representing my school and community as a student-athlete. Conduct Guidelines Be respectful by using appropriate language Treat everyone fairly Treat everyone with dignity and respect Avoid tobacco products or alcoholic beverages Avoid the use of performance-enhancing or mind-altering recreational drugs Arrive on time for all practices, meetings, and contests Play by the rules, demonstrating and encouraging good sportsmanship Represent your school and self in a manner that reflects self-control Comply will all school and team rules and policies Report any injury or aggravating condition to an athletic trainer Note: Disciplinary actions will be taken for violations of Fall River Middle School Athletic Program Student Athlete Code Conduct. Consequences for violation of student athlete pledge and conduct guidelines can result in suspension from team based on MIAA guidelines for high schools, State Board of Education guidelines for middle schools, and/or school athletic departments. 4

5 PARENT/COACH COMMUNICATION Parenting and coaching are both extremely difficult vocations. By establishing an understanding of each position, we are better able to accept the actions of the other and provide a greater benefit to children. As parents, when your child is involved in our program, you have the right to understand what expectations are placed on him/her. This begins with clear communication from the coach of the sport. COMMUNICATION COACHES EXPECT FROM ATHLETES & PARENTS Concerns expressed directly to the coach. Notification of any schedule conflicts in advance. Notification of illness or injury as soon as possible. As your child becomes involved in his/her programs at middle school, he/she will experience some of the most rewarding moments of their lives. It is important to understand that there also may be times when things do not go the way you and your child wish. At these times, discussion with the coach is encouraged. It is the first and most integral step to understanding and resolution. APPROPRIATE/INAPPROPRIATE CONCERNS TO DISCUSS WITH COACHES The following topics are appropriate for discussion: The treatment of your child. Ways to help your child improve. Concerns about your child s behavior. It is very difficult to accept your child not playing as much as you hoped. Coaches are professionals. They make decisions based on what they believe to be best for all student athletes involved. As you have seen from the list above, certain things can be and should be discussed with your child s coach. The three items listed below should be left to the discretion of the coach: Playing time, positioning, and event entry. Team strategies, game tactics, play calling. Any discussion about other student athletes. 5

6 There are situations that may require a conference between the coach and player, or coach and parent. These conferences are encouraged. It is important that all parties involved have a clear understanding of the other person s position. When a conference is necessary, the folowing procedure should be used to help resolve any concerns. Call the coach to schedule an appointment. If the coach cannot be reached, call the School Athletic Director; he/she will set a meeting for you. Please do not attempt to confront a coach before or after a contest or practice. These can be emotional times for both the parent and the coach. Meetings of this nature usually do not promote positive resolutions. THE NEXT STEP What can a parent do if the meeting with the coach did not provide a satisfactory resolution? Call and schedule an appointment with the School athletic Director to discuss the situation. At this meeting the appropriate next step can be determined, if necessary. PARENT PLEDGE As a parent/guardian, I acknowledge that I am a role model. I will remember that school athletics is an extension of the classroom, offering learning experiences for the students. I must show respect for all players, coaches, spectators, and support staff. I will participate in cheers that support, encourage, and uplift the teams involved. I understand the spirit of fair play and the good sportsmanship expected by our school system. I hereby accept my responsibility to be a model of good sportsmanship that comes with being the parent/guardian of a student athlete. 6

7 COACHES CODE OF ETHICS The function of a coach is to educate students through participation in interscholastic competition. The Fall River Middle School Athletic Program is designed to enhance academic achievement and should never interfere with opportunities for academic success. Each student should be treated with the utmost respect and his or her welfare should be considered in decisions by the coach at all times. The coach shall be aware that he/she has a tremendous influence, for either good or ill, on the education of the student and, thus, shall never place the value of winning above the value of instilling the highest ideals of character. The coach shall uphold the honor and dignity of the profession. In all personal contact with students, officials, athletic directors, school administrators, media, and the public, the coach shall strive to set an example of the highest ethical and moral conduct. The coach shall take an active role in the prevention of drug, alcohol and tobacco use. The coach shall avoid use of alcohol 7